April 2026 is Solving Grand Challenges Month, a university-wide initiative hosted by the Rutgers Democracy Lab inviting Rutgers schools, departments, institutes, and centers to host dynamic programming that explores innovative solutions to pressing democratic challenges. All events will align with RDL’s inaugural theme: Inspiring Democratic Engagement. Program proposals are due December 1, 2025.

Rutgers students, did you know you could receive up to $6,000.00  in award support for in-person summer internships with government, nonprofit, or advocacy organizations in Washington, D.C.? The Rutgers-Eagleton Washington Internship Award program supports outstanding undergraduate students while they intern in D.C. and is meant to ease the financial burden and offset living expenses. Rutgers undergraduate students from all campuses and class years are eligible to apply. The priority deadline for applications is December 1, 2025, at 5:00PM.

Women voters were key to the success of Governors-elect Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) in the 2025 elections, according to an analysis of exit-poll data by the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP). The gender gap in voting fueled decisive victories in both races. Full analysis about women voters in the 2025 elections can be found on the CAWP website.

“If you’re a native New Jerseyan, it’s largely understood that only we can make fun of our state and we’ll defend our homeland to any outside bullies. A bit of self-loathing in the data is on brand for New Jersey residents,” said Jessica Roman, director of data management and analysis at the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling (ECPIP) at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.

This week at Eagleton, the Talking Across Difference (TAD) team, an initiative of the RDL, hosted a fall social. Students connected with current cohort members, participated in guided discussion prompts, and learned more about TAD’s mission and upcoming programming. The event offered a welcoming setting for students interested in constructive dialogue and community building.

Will you be at the New Jersey League of Municipalities (NJLM) 110th Conference in Atlantic City? Find the Eagleton Institute of Politics at booth #1612 and don't miss our upcoming lecture presentations (see details below in Upcoming Events).

Join the Eagleton Science and Politics Program at the New Jersey League of Municipalities conference in Atlantic City to learn how Rutgers researchers and local policymakers are turning science into action to strengthen communities.

Led by the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling (ECPIP), explore how municipalities and universities can partner to craft data-driven approaches to improve local decision-making and strengthen public trust. With the spotlight on ECPIP's decades-long collaboration with New Brunswick, the workshop highlights how partnerships between higher education, students, and local government can support transparency, civic learning, and responsive leadership. This program is presented as part of the Arthur J. Holland Program on Ethics in Government at the Eagleton Institute of Politics.